45th Tournament from 29 may to 10 june 2016

News of Tournament

Akram Afif, the future of Qatar

09/06/17

Qatar ended their World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign with seven points in ten games. The Asian nation will not travel to Russia in the next summer but the positive thing is that several Qatari young players got their chance during the qualifiers.

Akram Afif, who played the Toulon Tournament in 2014, is one these young talents who can lead the national team during the World Cup 2022 which will be played in Qatar. Despite being only 20, the Villarreal player (loaned out to the Belgian side Eupen this season) has already 21 international caps and 4 goals to his name.

The Qatar attacking midfielder distinguished himself during these qualifiers as he scored during the 3-2 win over South Korea.

This week-end, Afif shone again as he netted the opener against China (1-2).

Afif, who became the first Qatari to play in the Spanish Liga last season, has cemented his place in the Qatar national team during the World Cup 2018 qualifiers. He has also proven that he can be one of the marquee names of the squad during the next years.